Craft a DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Forget buying multiple plastic bottles of chemical cleaners. You can create a versatile, grease-cutting spray with just a few simple items. In a spray bottle, combine two tablespoons of baking soda, the juice of half a lemon, and four cups of hot water.
[1] Some recipes also include a quarter cup of white vinegar for extra power. [1] Shake the mixture until the baking soda dissolves. This solution is perfect for wiping down countertops, sinks, and other surfaces, leaving behind a fresh, citrus scent instead of a chemical haze. [1, 2]
Deodorize Your Refrigerator and Small Spaces
That lingering odour in your fridge doesn't stand a chance. While an open box of baking soda is a classic trick, you can enhance its power with citrus. [20, 21] Simply place a small bowl of baking soda in the back of your fridge to absorb unpleasant smells. [22] For an extra-fresh scent, you can add a few drops of lemon essential oil to the baking soda or even place used citrus rinds filled with baking soda in a bowl. [17, 26] This method works wonders in other small spaces too, like closets and bathrooms. [16]
Revitalize Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards can trap stains and odours from foods like garlic and onions. To deep clean and deodorize them naturally, start by sprinkling the board generously with baking soda. [13, 24] Then, take half a lemon and use it to scrub the baking soda into the wood. [8, 14] The lemon's acidity helps break down stains, while the baking soda acts as a gentle, abrasive cleaner. [8, 20] After scrubbing for a minute or two, give the board a thorough rinse with hot water and dry it completely. [14, 24]
Unclog and Freshen Drains
For a sluggish or smelly drain, this fizzy combination is a game-changer. Pour about a half-cup of baking soda directly down the drain, followed by a half-cup of lemon juice. [5, 6, 7] The mixture will foam and bubble, which helps to break down grime and buildup. [5, 11] Let this powerful reaction sit for at least 15 minutes to an hour, then flush the drain with a pot of boiling water. [4, 5, 7] This method not only helps clear clogs but also leaves your kitchen or bathroom drain smelling lemony fresh. [5]
Brighten Your Microwave
Caked-on food splatters in the microwave can be tough to scrub. An easier, all-natural solution involves steam cleaning with citrus. Place a bowl with a few lemon slices in water inside the microwave and heat it on high for about two to three minutes. [21] The steam, infused with lemon's cleaning properties, will loosen the grime. [21] Once it's done, let it sit for another minute before carefully removing the hot bowl. The splatters and stains should now wipe away easily with a damp cloth. [20, 21]
Simmer a Natural Air Freshener
To fill your entire home with a wonderful, clean aroma, skip the aerosol cans and try a simmer pot. In a small saucepan, combine water with a few lemon or orange slices, some cloves, or a cinnamon stick. [18] Let the mixture gently simmer on the stove for an hour or two, adding more water as needed. This will release a warm, inviting, and completely natural fragrance throughout your home. [18] You can also make a simple room spray by dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of lemon juice in two cups of hot water and adding it to a spray bottle. [18]
